Featured TV on DVD Review: The Penguins of Madagascar: Operation DVD Premiere

The Penguins of Madagascar is, as the name implies, a spin-off of Madagascar focusing on the four demented (and astoundingly popular) penguins. There's Skipper, the leader; Kowalski, the brains; Rico, the dumb one; and Private, the one that's not quite as dumb as Rico. The show was previously released on DVD, but only as part of a bundle with the second movie, which was little more than a preview for the show and certainly wasn't worthy of buying on its own. Does it fare better this time around?

When the cartoon airs on TV, it's a half-hour show usually comprised of two 12-minute shorts (and about six minutes of commercials). This single disc collects 10 shorts, starting with the double-length...

Dr. Blowhole's Revenge
Dr. Blowhole (a dolphin on a segway) is the arch-nemesis of the penguins and has devised a plan for world domination that involves a chrome plated lobster, melting the polar ice caps, and kidnapping King Julian. The last part proves that he is not all evil.

Needle Point
It's time for their annual check-up, but while Rico, Kowalski, and Private get their shots, Skipper skips out. Alice, the zookeeper, needs to make sure all the penguins get their shots, so she's hunting for him.

Truth Ache
After the gang spend their time collecting all the dirty secrets they can, Private drinks some truth serum and begins to blab to all the other residents of the zoo. This doesn't go over well and now it is up to Private to fix the situation.

Launchtime
After King Julian becomes too much of a bad neighbor, the penguins decide to travel to the moon to get away from him and all the other lemurs. However, they only manage to land on the roof of a nearby building. Thinking they are on the moon, they find a hungry stray cat that would love to eat them.

Command Crisis
Today is the day of 'The Big One', the most dangerous mission ever. However, when Skipper is stricken with Anchormaneisa (don't ask) the other three have to retrieve his survival plan.

All Choked Up
Alice is bringing in a new robotic tour guide, but Skipper thinks it is just the first step to replacing all the animal attractions with low-maintenance robots. There's only one thing to do: blow up the robot. After Rico swallows a time bomb, the others have to get him to puke it up before it explodes. However, that's easier said than done.

Go Fish
The zoo starts feeding the penguins soya fish crackers instead of real fish, so they decide to hijack a fish truck to get the real thing. However, King Julian hates the smell of fish and he decides to sabotage their mission.

The Hidden
There are new animals coming to the zoo, but no one knows what they are. When Mort is captured, the penguins Marlene, King Julian, and Maurice form a rescue party. They are captured one-by-one, and it is eventually up to Kowalski to use his gut and not his head to get them back.

Roomies
Marlene gets a new roommate. Skipper assumes it will be a spy for Dr. Blowhole, while Marlene tries to see the good in everyone. This become very hard for her when her roommate turns out to be an uncouth walrus named Rhonda.

Tangled in the Web
Alice sets up web cameras to help attract customers. King Julian loves the idea of becoming famous. Skipper thinks it's obviously a way to spy on them to steal their secrets.

I'm of two minds when it comes to this show. On the one hand, the penguins were one of the best parts of the movies and they work well enough on their own to sustain a 12-minute short. Also, I like Nicole Sullivan and she provides the voice for Marlene. On the other hand, too many of the jokes felt forced and the animation looked cheap.

There are no real extras on the DVD. There are plenty of previews for upcoming games and movies, as well as the ever-present jukebox, but nothing substantial.

The Verdict

If your kids are fans of The Penguins of Madagascar TV show, then Operation DVD Premiere is worth picking up. There may be no real extras, but the price per minute is right. On the other hand, if they haven't seen the show but like the movies, give it a rental.